Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
The current DHBC assignment lists no local building inspector and directs commercial building permits to the state. DHBC administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, with applicable Kentucky amendments and state trade codes; no county-specific 2026 code adoption was verified.
Inspection lane
For commercial building permits and state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Levi Wells at 502-359-4062 or matthewl.wells@ky.gov and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector James Burt: 502-330-3513; HVAC inspector Billy Blair: 502-395-4879; manufactured housing inspector Randy Jones: 606-872-9306; elevator inspector Dan Stifle: 606-748-9337; boiler inspector Scott Shepherd: 502-382-0545. Plumbing inspector Gordon Vanhoose is available Wednesday 12:00-1:00 p.m. at 606-298-7752, Martin County Health Department, Rockcastle Creek Road, Inez.
Minor-work playbook
No Martin County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was published on the verified county or DHBC pages. The state code's limited exemptions should be confirmed with DHBC before work; electrical work should be coordinated with the county judge executive or the city office where the work occurs.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
For commercial building permits and state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Levi Wells at 502-359-4062 or matthewl.wells@ky.gov and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector James Burt: 502-330-3513; HVAC inspector Billy Blair: 502-395-4879; manufactured housing inspector Randy Jones: 606-872-9306; elevator inspector Dan Stifle: 606-748-9337; boiler inspector Scott Shepherd: 502-382-0545. Plumbing inspector Gordon Vanhoose is available Wednesday 12:00-1:00 p.m. at 606-298-7752, Martin County Health Department, Rockcastle Creek Road, Inez.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.
Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
This record is marked State Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact State Building Inspector Levi Wells: 502-359-4062; Martin County Judge Executive's office: 606-298-2800; Martin County Health Department/plumbing office: 606-298-7752..
N/A. No current state or county plan-review turnaround time was published for Martin County.
For commercial building permits and state building inspections, contact DHBC State Building Inspector Levi Wells at 502-359-4062 or matthewl.wells@ky.gov and use the SmartGov public portal. State electrical inspector James Burt: 502-330-3513; HVAC inspector Billy Blair: 502-395-4879; manufactured housing inspector Randy Jones: 606-872-9306; elevator inspector Dan Stifle: 606-748-9337; boiler inspector Scott Shepherd: 502-382-0545. Plumbing inspector Gordon Vanhoose is available Wednesday 12:00-1:00 p.m. at 606-298-7752, Martin County Health Department, Rockcastle Creek Road, Inez.
The current DHBC assignment lists no local building inspector and directs commercial building permits to the state. DHBC administers the Kentucky Building Code and Kentucky Residential Code, with applicable Kentucky amendments and state trade codes; no county-specific 2026 code adoption was verified. No Martin County-specific minor or cosmetic exemption list was published on the verified county or DHBC pages. The state code's limited exemptions should be confirmed with DHBC before work; electrical work should be coordinated with the county judge executive or the city office where the work occurs.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.